I see no read to keep a child back from doing something he loves as long as it is good for him! I don't see a reason to spend money on a program that is accompianied with a lot of hype. You can go to a bookstore and get a few books that are for toddlers and beginner readers, or even make some cards with letters, pictures and sounds yourself. There are phonics books that you can get that would be really helpful as well. A salesperson or librarian could probably help you out getting something elementary enough for your child.

It's never too early to learn If your baby is especially gifted, a motherly pride is something that just comes a long with it. It's nothing to be ashamed of at all.

I agree! Those programs are mostly scams and money making schemes anyway. I did buy him some lil books with trucks and soft books he can play in the bath with. So far he wants to chew them only..lol. I think I will make some flash cards like you suggested. I know hes not ready yet but im sure he will tell us. I agree if the child wants to learn why stop them.
Thanks mamma shoe. I know you have plenty experience in this dept.

When did your kids read and talk?

They all went their own pace. It really varies with different children, even within the family. Some are more anxious to start than others. My husband helped my first two read and both could read around 3rd grade level or above when they went into kindergarden....and they understood the text and story too....could retell what happened in their own words.

The others are learning at their own pace since my husband got a different job and can't spend as much time with them. I'm mostly occupied with babies and housework, but the older ones read to the yonger ones and with a little bit of my teaching of phonics, they start learning on their own.

It isn't too hard when there is example to follow and when lots of stories are read to them at bedtime

If he doesn't respond well to reading, you can always teach him a few signs. You can learn sign language easily online or from a library book. My nephew is 18 months old and has been signing since he was a year old. It's precious and very helpful that he can tell people what he wants. He originally knew a few signs but decided that one would do, the sign for "more." He uses it to let his Mommy know when he is hungry, thirsty or ready for seconds!

I think that teaching children at a younger age is smart, so long as one doesn't go over board and still lets them be 'kids'. After all baby's are born with heaps of recepters in the brain which decreases every week so meaning if they utilise more before they go there intelligence increases. I say good on you. My daughter was read to daily she is now 10months old and walks and strings words together and understands simple question's.

It's nothing bad, no, just need to watch the focus. For example, for parents with more than one child, are you going to do this with all the children, or only your first born until you run out of time when baby 2, 3 and more come along...?

And do you need to focus on other important things if your mate is working 3 jobs, for example, just to make ends meet while you spend extra time teaching that when you could be helping your mate with income?

Just things to think about. Lots more, of course...

One other thing to consider is this. I know for my sister, she taught her son his letters and some writing, etc. before he entered school. (I don't know if you plan on home schooling your child or not Rosie H. That makes a difference.) But when he got into school they were spending a lot of time on letters, numbers and spelling names- all of which he already knew how to do. He was bored and did not pay attention in class and became a bit of a discipline problem in kindergarten. It wasn't until they advanced to something that he did not already know how to do that he calmed down and started to behave better.
Just something to keep in mind.

thats a really good point. I would hate for my son to go through that at such a young age. I felt out of place in grade school because I was poor, I really want my son to be happy. Thats what matter most anyway.